Nagarajan Ramakrishnan

25 Aug Nagarajan Ramakrishnan

Nagarajan Ramakrishnan, India

Professor Nagaraian is with the center of studies in Resources engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. His research include water supply source availability and demand, water stress analysis on macro and micro level, using remote sensing and GIS.

Presentation Title: Assessment of river basin in semi-arid region, Peninsular India

Water infrastructures (storage and distribution) were constructed and maintained to meet the irrigation or drinking water requirement over predetermined geographical locations in past. Over the years, multiple activities have come up in the river basins that led to committed water allocation issues. Further, the structures are functioning far below their optimal capacity. Multiple supply sources are also facing similar problems owing to over-exploitation and recharge capacity. It is essential that we assess the trend of water deficits and demand growth and formulate solutions. Hence, the objective of this study is to assess the water stress regions on a river basin level and suggest remedial measures. Rivers flowing in the Peninsular India, originate from monsoon rainfall and flow through semi-arid regions before they meet river systems. Several water storage and distribution systems were constructed and they share river flow accordingly. Spatial rainfall distribution offset the committed allocation practices. Ghattaprabha River is one of the important tributaries of River Krishna in India. Rainfall and temperature information corresponding to 50 years were collected and analysed for the surface flow and losses from the storage systems. Storage performance of the reservoirs and canals were considered in understanding the losses as well supply deficit for crops and drinking water. Spatial crop area and water demand in time and space were calculated using satellite images supported by ground conditions. Ground water availability and sustainability was determined. This information was digitised, georeferenced and analysed using ArcGIS. Based on the dependability and potential availability of water for cultivation and drinking of villages (settlement unit), climate-water vulnerability was estimated for preparedness.